England boss Roy Hodgson has plenty to ponder after the defeat to Italy (Picture: AP)

England’s performance against Italy may have been promising but ultimately it ended in defeat – and that’s all that really matters.

There were elements of the 90 minutes that were excellent, particularly in the first half when we gave the Italians some problems going forward.

But throughout the night there was a dishevelled look to the side, with players such as Wayne Rooney in different positions to usual and our lack of shape was ruthlessly punished by the composed and clever Italians.

It was encouraging to see Roy Hodgson put so much faith in youth and set the team out to play with freedom going forward, but ultimately it only served to uncover our fragile defence – making me think that perhaps this was not the game to do it.

We looked a little naïve across the pitch when compared to the Italians, who kept the ball better than us, were more clinical than us and were a whole lot better at the back than us.

Cesare Prandelli’s side are a very good team, and trying to go at them all guns blazing allowed them to exploit the gaps we left.

The decision to play Wayne Rooney on the left was a baffling one (Picture: AP)

The way we set up also meant that we were constantly out-numbered in the centre of midfield and that allowed Andrea Pirlo to orchestrate the proceedings again, as he did at Euro 2012.

I can’t understand why we gave him so much time on the ball and didn’t learn from our tactical errors from two years ago. He’s still Italy’s best player even at the age of 35 and yet we never got anywhere near him.

In my opinion, Hodgson also got it wrong by making too many changes from previous games. Putting Rooney on the left was a very strange decision. He is one of our best players, so I don’t get why you’d put him in a position where he can’t influence things.

Leaving out Adam Lallana after he’d started the majority of the warm-up games was also odd. I think Lallana would be better playing from the start than coming off the bench, and we also missed that injection of pace late in the game. Raheem Sterling did very well but he tired badly in the second half and England’s threat seemed to fade with him.

Hopefully we can get Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fit for the crunch game against Uruguay, as he will be able to provide another option and allow us to keep attacking with pace throughout the whole game.

Ultimately the team were good in parts and showed potential – but potential does not mean points.

I’m still positive though. Even with Luis Suarez, I don’t think Uruguay are that tough a proposition. They were awful against Costa Rica and looked a very cumbersome side lacking in creativity.

Wins over them and Costa Rica are still easily achievable – so no need to get too down just yet.